The New Year was off to a great start with our General Meeting. We met January 26th, 2024 at My First Piano with guest presenter, David Sterzbach. He has vast experience with choral directing, as well as working with young musicians in training. We had a great time learning his tips for pianists who conduct, conducting instrumentalists vs. singers, accompanying, and teaching students how to work well with a conductor. He shared some wonderful teaching philosophies, and we loved spending the morning with him. 

Happy New Year! As we begin a new year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you. May 2024 be filled with joy, success, and new musical discoveries. I encourage you to take a moment to evaluate where you are on your musical journeys with your students. What aspirations do you have for the last half of the teaching year? How can you foster growth, creativity, and a deep love for music in your teaching? Our upcoming DVMTA events offer opportunities for you and your students to grow and become better musicians.

So, have you chosen a “Word of the Year” yet? Everyone seems to be doing it! It’s a fun way to set your intentions and theme for the New Year. A Word of the Year (or group of words) is your constant yet gentle reminder to focus on creating positive change. It can help guide your decisions and continue moving you towards what you want to achieve. Choosing your word is a personal and inspiring process. Here are some words I have seen recently to give you some ideas: Courage, Resilience, Elevate, Growth, Mindfulness, Joy, Balance, Explore, Connect, Focus, Inspire, Empower, Discover, Elevate, Sustain, Challenge, Thrive, Awaken, Simplify, Create, Renew.

I began the year off right by going to the gym and attending a group fitness class. The teacher shared her phrase of the year: Make Time. She shared that you need to Make Time for the most important things to get results. This resonated with me, and I just might implement the same focus.

Let's embrace the new year with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to excellence in music education. I look forward to seeing you at the January General Meeting.

May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make.

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

Read the full January 2024 Newsletter

As we were all in the thick of holiday preparations DVMTA members took some time to gather and socialize at our annual December Brunch. This is a wonderful time to relax for a few moments and just visit as friends. We met Friday, December 1st at Sassy's Cafe and Bakery in Mesa, and enjoyed our time together while eating some delicious treats. Thank you to Kelli Riding for organizing this fun morning. 

One of the great things about DVMTA is the variety of events that students can participate in. There is something for everyone, and Original Composition is an opportunity for pianists to grow their composing and performing skills. Students compose and record an original piece, and send it for evaluation. We were privileged to have Penni Scott use her talents to listen to and evaluate each composition and provide meaningful feedback. Over 100 students submitted compositions and performed at the Festival, which was held Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th at Southeast Valley Bible Church. Families and friends attended and heard some amazing compositions, and we cannot wait to see where these students' skills take them! We are thankful to the Original Composition committee, Buffie Meeker, Jessica Heidt and Joni Walker.